G.—la

2

It is with much regret that I have to report the death of two of the principal chiefs of Hauraki during the past year—namely, Tanumeha te Moananui and Iwiapipipi te Kopara, both men of the highest rank. A marked fatality appears to have befallen the Hauraki chiefs during the last few years. First, in 1871, Kitahi te Tamueha died ; then, 1872, Taraia; in 187-t, Haora Tipa; in 1876, Tamati te Otahu and Rapana Mauuganoa—all men who in their time have exercised weighty influence in the councils of Mauituaha, and have done their best according to their lights to advance the interests of tkeir respective tribes. I have, &c, E. W. PUCKET, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Native Agent.

No. 2. Mr. R. S. Bubh, Raglan, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Raglan, 17th June, 1878. I have the honor to report for your information that Tawhiao, the so-called Maori King1, arrived at the Tainui Settlement, situated about a mile and a half from this township, on the afternoon of the 7th instant; he was accompanied by about forty followers from Hikurangi, and about the same number from Kawhia and Aotea. The ostensible object of his visit was to proceed down the coast to see Ngatitahenga. He made a stnrt for his coast journey on Saturday morning, 9th instant, and wa« met on the road by a messenger of the Ngatitahenga, asking him to return to Raglan, as they were coming there to see him. This he did, visiting this township before he returned to the Heads. I saw him every day during his stay here. He seems quite a different man, much more cheerful, is in remarkably good' spirits :in fact, he is like one who has got rid of a heavy load from his mind. I have never seen him anything like it before since I have known him. He visited the township on Monday morning, on which occasion he and several chiefs dined at my house. He says, " Kapai nga korero o Kerei i Hikurangi " — i c., what Sir George Grey said at Hikurangi was good, and it was in consequence of that that he was here. This was the only occasion that I heard him allude to the subject during his stay. There was always some one with him ; had he been by himself I have no doubt he would have said a great deal more. Knowing his peculiarities I refrained from asking him any questions. On the Monday he expressed a wish to see a negro entertainment, and the members of the Raglan Minstrels acceded to his request and gave him and followers a performance, and was told the hall was his to admit those he liked. He replied, "My wish is that the hall be opened to all persons, both Europeans and Natives, as I have come to mis with the Europeans." He and his people seemed delighted with the impromptu performance and subsequent dance. On the 12th instant some of the settlers invited Tawhiao and his principal chiefs to a public dinner, at which some one hundred Natives sat down. The toasts that were proposed were those of "Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen," "His Excellency the Governor," and " The Guests of the Evening," the name of Tawhiao being coupled with it. Tawhiao replied to the following effect: "I am much gratified at the friendly manner I have been received by you on this my first visit amongst you. I have to thank you for the honor which you have done me; and I take this opportunity to thank the storekeepers, publicans, and all the other settlers for their friendliness towards us. I shall shortly return, when I will again embrace the opportunity to mix with you. I have to thank you for your hospitality this evening, as also for the entertainment which you gave me the other evening, the dance, and the music. I have to thank all persons who are helping me to promote good (nga paiwhakahaere tikanga katoa)." After the dinner a dance took place, which Tawhiao enjoyed until early morning. Tv Tawhiao danced with some of the European ladies, and took one of them into supper. Tawhiao's delight seems to have been to mix as much as possible with the Europeans, breakfasting with one, dining with another, and supping with a third. He visited the township nearly every day last week, leaving here for Kawhia on Sunday morning last. The dinner was given to Tawhiao as a token of friendship, and in appreciation of the good behaviour of the Natives during their stay here, which was most orderly, quite equal to their conduct at the late Hikurangi meeting. I had a long conversation with Hone te One, who informed me that Tawhiao had publicly stated, in the presence of all the men, women, and children of Kawhia, that he approved of what was said at Hikurangi, his expression being, "Kawini te pai ojiga korero o Kerei i Hikurangi," what Sir George Grey said at Hikurangi was good, and that he regretted the terms were not signed, as he feared, if any accident happened to Sir George Grey, his successor might not fulfil them. Hone also told me that he paid one more meeting was all that was required to settle everything, and that he had one more mattfir to mention to you. but what it was he did not state. In Hone's opinion, Tawhiao will accept the proposals, and I must say, so far as I could learn from the Natives, there appears to be a general opinion that the terms will be accepted. One and all considered Tawhiao's visit here, and his subsequent friendly intercourse with the settlers, to be a certain indication of their acceptance at no distant period. Honana and Te Tuhi arrived here the same day as Tawhiao. They came from Alexandra via th« Waipa Road ; they returned by the same route. Should any obstructions arise, they will emanate from such men as those two cousins whom Tawhiao complains very much against for interfering and thwarting hitn. Natives state that he seldom goes near their settlement at Kopua, or sees them except at large gatherings. Natives also say Tawhiao would not have come here had he known they were coining. The best of order was maintained and the most friendly feeling displayed, not a single unpleasantness arising throughout their somewhat prolonged and unexpected visit. The general impression amongst the Natives is that Tawhiao would never have made this visit here had he not made up